Piper PA-31-350 N4112D accident near Eek, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of directional control when the airplane encountered snow and ice on the runway while landing at night in gusting crosswind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after landing, during the landing roll, at night, in gusting crosswinds, the right main landing gear struck ice and a snow drift which caused the airplane to veer right. The pilot attempted to correct with opposite rudder; however, the airplane continued to slide on the ice and impacted a snow berm, which collapsed the nose gear. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the nose and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC26LA005 for the full record.